The most likely option for the offense is that wideout Emmanuel Sanders will play in the slot while Andre Caldwell sees more playing time outside. Welker’s absence could also lead to playing time for second-round draft pick Cody Latimer.

Fantasy football takeaway

At least he’ll have time for his concussion to heal, but he can’t be dropped, so he’ll be dead weight on fantasy football rosters for the next month.

This makes Emmanuel Sanders a cemented second fantasy wide receiver for as long as Welker is sidelined, via ban or health issues.

Andre Caldwell could see more snaps, but rookie Cody Latimer is the more intriguing lottery ticket. The young deep threat is a sneaky sleeper for at least the first few weeks of the season as the newest weapon for QB Peyton Manning.

Manning’s production didn’t really suffer last season when Welker missed three games with a concussion. He will just have to redistribute his targets, which could be beneficial for WR Demaryius Thomas and TE Julius Thomas.

The Broncos running game with Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman should be mostly unaffected, although Hillman could see a few more targets in the passing game, which could make him a better point-per-reception flex option.